In terms of the injury, Bulluck’s value to the Titans and on the open market might be difficult to gauge. But Wichard does not believe that to be necessarily the case.

“To me, the ACL is not an issue. Players come back from those sorts of injuries all the time now,” Wichard said. “It’s not the same type of injury it was 15 or 20 years ago.”

The normally loquacious Bulluck has been keeping a low profile throughout the process. He returned a request for an interview with The City Paper with a text message on Wednesday that explained he is spending all his time rehabbing the knee.

Regarding the injury, Bulluck is fortunate that the ACL tear was the only issue, as the other ligaments in the knee were not damaged on the play where the knee buckled.

“It was just one of those freaky things that happened,” Wichard said. “He wasn’t even touched on the play. It was a clean tear to the ACL. Nothing else was torn. He had started 127 consecutive games up until then.”

Thus far, talks between the Titans and Bulluck about a potential return to Nashville have been non-existent, and both Wichard and Bulluck are ready for the outside linebacker to test free agency for the first time in his career beginning March 5.

As for the Titans’ lack of interest in dealing thus far, Wichard said the club knows what sort of player and person Bulluck is.

“It’s just another team right now. They’re the ones that are looking for football players on defense,” Wichard said. “Keith Bulluck has been there for 10 years, so they know what kind of player he is. And that had 14 games to evaluate him last year. That’s the deal.”

Prior to the injury, Bulluck had been a model of consistency for the Titans, missing just one game in his 10-year career. This past season, he had 108 total tackles and three interceptions.